1967 Maestro G1 Rhythm N' Sound

The Maestro G1 Rhythm N' Sound was arguably the first multi-effects unit ever made for the guitar, and was lightyears ahead of it’s time in terms of complexity and engineering design. By 1967 Maestro already had a couple of bonafide hits under its name with the FZ-1 Fuzztone, and the EP1/EP2 Echoplex Tape Delay. This was just the beginning for Maestro though and they would go on to produce a lot of effects that had never existed before including the Auto-Wah, Phaser, and the Analog Sub-Octave effects. All of their designs were cutting edge and were the type of highly controllable in-depth circuits seen more often in the world of synthesizers. The G1 has a number of effects packed into it including Sub-Octave (String Bass - analog and monophonic), Fuzz (Fuzz - based on the FZ-1), multiple EQ filters (Color Tones 1/2/3 - based on fixed positions of their Wow-Wow Wah), and then the Percussion sounds (Bass Drum, Bongo, Brush, Tambourine, Clave). The percussion section uses discrete transistor oscillators, resonant RLC circuits, and a noise generator to synthesize the drum sounds. These sounds are then triggered when a note is picked. The same circuits appear in Maestro's monarch-themed rhythm machines (Rhythm King, Queen, and Jester) that were used by Sly Stone, Bob Marley, and Kraftwerk. All of these effects are turned on by pushing the multi-colored rocker switches on the panel. One might have expected foot-switches on an effects unit made for guitar, but Maestro designed this more like something you would see in an old Lowerey Organ, and intended it for studio or tabletop use. It’s an odd machine and equally odd to play or use well. The next model revision, the Maestro G2 is a bit easier to dial things in and get good sounds in my opinion. The history of this piece and the awesome fuzz/octave/eq tones that can be conjured definitely make it a unique and highly sought after effects unit. It was cool to have the opportunity to restore this and keep it alive for another 50+ years.

This unit came in to my shop in completely original condition. Everything was working upon arrival, but it had leaking filter caps, and some white noise. This one needed a full restoration including a cap job for all electrolytics, new power dropping resistors, and cleaning.

Effects Unit was completely restored. All filter/bias/bypass caps were replaced with upgraded voltage and temperature rated MOD/Vishay/Rubycon/Panasonic brand electrolytics. The electrolytic cap can was replaced with a custom circuit using radial leaded electrolytics and a phenolic washer for the filter section. This was done because the original multi-section cap had an unusual 1" diameter and there have been no replacements available for decades. If it had been the usual 1 3/8" diameter type can we could have gotten any number of new reproductions. A good amount of RTV silicone had to be used on the caps for strength, it is not necessarily the prettiest replacement and not my normal MO in my restorations, but it was the only way to do it. It will make this unit function well for many years to come. New 5 Watt Cement power dropping resistors were installed due to heat damage and for better reliability and lower noise floor.

The original transistors tested good, they had a little white noise/hiss, but nothing that is abnormal for transistors made in the 1960’s. The pots were sprayed out and the unit was cleaned inside and out. This Maestro G1 will be used by the customer in a recording studio environment, I’d be very interested to hear how it gets used on upcoming songs. A super rare and important piece in guitar effects history that was a challenging restoration but an equally fascinating project.